IKEA Social Entrepreneurship – co-creating change
Since 2012, we have been teaming up with entrepreneurs across the globe that create a better world by providing jobs that empower people, while also addressing a range of social and environmental challenges. These entrepreneurs are often called social entrepreneurs.
Partnering in different ways
We boost their potential and impact through development programmes, investments and knowledge sharing where IKEA gains valuable insights. For the social businesses that offer unique products and services, we establish business partnerships and use all IKEA sales channels to make these available to customers.
Challenging the root causes of poverty, exclusion and inequality
By partnering with these social entrepreneurs, we get to lean on each other’s strengths, sharing our learnings with each other and with different parts of IKEA. We know that together, we can create a more sustainable future where everyone is seen and heard. We call this IKEA Social Entrepreneurship.
We develop products
Together with social businesses around the world, we design and produce both handmade and industrially manufactured products. We also work with small scale farm holders that grow raw materials.
We’re continuing to scale up
In 2021 four new social business collaborations were started, and more and more global products are now available to IKEA customers. We are looking to build long term partnerships that can create jobs and livelihoods for as many people as possible for a long time to come.
A collaboration that benefits everyone
When we join forces, the social businesses become part of the IKEA supply chain with access to valuable tools. For example, IKEA designers, product developers and technicians share knowledge of global designs and requirements, while social businesses bring an understanding of raw materials and local crafts.
Through this work, our partners gain access to new marketplaces and can scale up their business. This means they can become more independent and provide more job opportunities. Meanwhile, this enables IKEA to offer uniquely crafted products and services to customers while also including a more diverse group in our supply chain.
We offer support
We also back social entrepreneurs that have developed successful ways to fight social problems but need more support to reach their full potential. These social entrepreneurs are changing the world for the better through innovative solutions that protect our planet and lift people out of poverty.
Learn more about IKEA Social Entrepreneurship on our website
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